A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

“A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.” — Zen Shin.

When I founded the TMJ Dance Project my vision was to create a space for professional dance artists to train, create, perform, and earn wages during the summer months when professional dance artists contract opportunities were least available. My goal was to create a “pick-up” company that would impact undeserved communities by providing access to dance enrichment workshops and concert performances.

What began as a community enrichment and concert performance project in 2016 has become a full-service nonprofit organization that has impacted the lives of hundreds of children and families in Texas, Louisiana, and Belize Central America.

The success of the TMJ Dance Project has not come without the necessary challenges that have helped us to learn and grow. Contrary to what many people may believe; it is quite challenging to start a nonprofit organization and create a sustainable business model to achieve its mission. Yet through it all, I am proud that we have held true to our mission and have maintained our commitment to serve and impact lives through the art of dance.

As we take our journey through year 7, our goal is to deepen the scope of our programs and services by strengthening stakeholder relationships and expanding the scale of our philanthropic impact. My goal as Executive Artistic Director is to lead the organization based on the foundation of our core values: Love, Kindness, Truth, and Peace.

Love leads us!

Kindness sustains us!

Truth governs us!

Peace comforts us!

Thank you for being part of this journey with us for the past 7 years! Your unwavering support has made meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families that we serve. We look forward to your continued support and generosity as we strategically make way to our 10-year anniversary celebration.

Ubuntu! We are because You are!

Free mind. Free body. Free spirit…. It’s more than “just dance”. It is Liberating Art in Motion!

Artistically,

Terrance M. Johnson

Founder & Executive Artistic Director